Sunday, November 30, 2008

I call the Schmid botched negotations after winning a title, Risky Business.

It is absolutely miracoulous that Sigi got fired as a head coach with a first place team. Even more miracoulous, after Schmid wins a title, the Crew have nonchantlantly let Schmid move on without fighting for the coach that revived the franchise.

Warzycha will probably do fine. But, do you want to risk the "feel good" at this moment? Do we want to lose out on more new fans like this, bottom of linked article, to save $200,000 dollars?

The more guarenteed trophies, the better. And, although Warzycha could do fine and has like a 25-35% percent chance of repeating with Sigi's team. Sigi alone bumps that up to 55%-60%. Schmid is a mastermind and if the Crew don't retain him, whoever does, will be one happy franchise.

I call the Schmid botched negotations after winning a title, Risky Business.

It is absolutely miracoulous that Sigi got fired as a head coach with a first place team. Even more miracoulous, after Schmid wins a title, the Crew have nonchantlantly let Schmid move on without fighting for the coach that revived the franchise.

Warzycha will probably do fine. But, do you want to risk the "feel good" at this moment? Do we want to lose out on more new fans like this, bottom of linked article, to save $200,000 dollars?

The more guarenteed trophies, the better. And, although Warzycha could do fine and has like a 25-35% percent chance of repeating with Sigi's team. Sigi alone bumps that up to 55%-60%. Schmid is a mastermind and if the Crew don't retain him, whoever does, will be one happy franchise.

I call the Schmid botched negotations after winning a title, Risky Business.

It is absolutely miracoulous that Sigi got fired as a head coach with a first place team. Even more miracoulous, after Schmid wins a title, the Crew have nonchantlantly let Schmid move on without fighting for the coach that revived the franchise.

Warzycha will probably do fine. But, do you want to risk the "feel good" at this moment? Do we want to lose out on more new fans like this, bottom of linked article, to save $200,000 dollars?

The more guarenteed trophies, the better. And, although Warzycha could do fine and has like a 25-35% percent chance of repeating with Sigi's team. Sigi alone bumps that up to 55%-60%. Schmid is a mastermind and if the Crew don't retain him, whoever does, will be one happy franchise.

And these quotes:Marshall, 23, is the only Crew player without a contract at the end of the season. He started 28 games this season after multiple concussions ended his 2007 season prematurely and has garnered a lot of interest from Europe, agent Richard Motzkin said.

"There are multiple clubs from multiple countries considering him for the winter (transfer period)," Motzkin said, although he would not elaborate further.

Marshall said, "I always wanted to play over there for at least one contract to see what it's like. Every kid dreams of playing for Arsenal or ManU or something like that, but it's not a reality for everyone."

Marshall was guaranteed $148,000 last season. Depending on what sort of offers come from Europe, expect it to take something in the $250,000 range to keep him in MLS.

Marshall said he has no immediate plans to leave.

Chances of Marshall leaving? 60% percent. Marshall has offers, is a great player, and I'm guessing will take his chance overseas.

And, Schmid:

He has maintained that returning to the Crew remains an option, and he would enjoy the challenge of attempting to repeat as MLS champion and competing in the CONCACAF Champions League.

One problem, however, is prolonging the long-distance relationship with his family in California, although a salary that would allow his wife, Valerie, to cut back on her work hours and visit more often would provide some remedy.

A move to Seattle seems likely, but Schmid said he has had no formal contact with the Sounders. The Crew, however, did not give Schmid permission to talk to other teams and reportedly has filed tampering charges against the Sounders.

"I can't comment on that," general manager Mark McCullers said.

The Sounders picked 10 players during an expansion draft Wednesday. Among them were several players Schmid had expressed an interest in.

In Schmid's absence, McCullers, technical director Brian Bliss and assistant coach Robert Warzycha took the lead during postseason player meetings. McCullers has said he would one day like to see Warzycha become coach.

"Continuity is what got us where we're at," Bliss said. "Continuity in staff and players. The sum of our parts is bigger than one person and that's what we've been preaching."

Chances of Leaving? 85% percent, just too far away from his family and HSG isn't willing to pay what it takes to prolong that, even if its the coach of not just the year, but 13 years for the Crew. McCullers and company are fine with Warzycha taking over and from what I saw since the Crew got off the plane, it seems like Warzycha is now running the team.

And these quotes:Marshall, 23, is the only Crew player without a contract at the end of the season. He started 28 games this season after multiple concussions ended his 2007 season prematurely and has garnered a lot of interest from Europe, agent Richard Motzkin said.

"There are multiple clubs from multiple countries considering him for the winter (transfer period)," Motzkin said, although he would not elaborate further.

Marshall said, "I always wanted to play over there for at least one contract to see what it's like. Every kid dreams of playing for Arsenal or ManU or something like that, but it's not a reality for everyone."

Marshall was guaranteed $148,000 last season. Depending on what sort of offers come from Europe, expect it to take something in the $250,000 range to keep him in MLS.

Marshall said he has no immediate plans to leave.

Chances of Marshall leaving? 60% percent. Marshall has offers, is a great player, and I'm guessing will take his chance overseas.

And, Schmid:

He has maintained that returning to the Crew remains an option, and he would enjoy the challenge of attempting to repeat as MLS champion and competing in the CONCACAF Champions League.

One problem, however, is prolonging the long-distance relationship with his family in California, although a salary that would allow his wife, Valerie, to cut back on her work hours and visit more often would provide some remedy.

A move to Seattle seems likely, but Schmid said he has had no formal contact with the Sounders. The Crew, however, did not give Schmid permission to talk to other teams and reportedly has filed tampering charges against the Sounders.

"I can't comment on that," general manager Mark McCullers said.

The Sounders picked 10 players during an expansion draft Wednesday. Among them were several players Schmid had expressed an interest in.

In Schmid's absence, McCullers, technical director Brian Bliss and assistant coach Robert Warzycha took the lead during postseason player meetings. McCullers has said he would one day like to see Warzycha become coach.

"Continuity is what got us where we're at," Bliss said. "Continuity in staff and players. The sum of our parts is bigger than one person and that's what we've been preaching."

Chances of Leaving? 85% percent, just too far away from his family and HSG isn't willing to pay what it takes to prolong that, even if its the coach of not just the year, but 13 years for the Crew. McCullers and company are fine with Warzycha taking over and from what I saw since the Crew got off the plane, it seems like Warzycha is now running the team.

And these quotes:Marshall, 23, is the only Crew player without a contract at the end of the season. He started 28 games this season after multiple concussions ended his 2007 season prematurely and has garnered a lot of interest from Europe, agent Richard Motzkin said.

"There are multiple clubs from multiple countries considering him for the winter (transfer period)," Motzkin said, although he would not elaborate further.

Marshall said, "I always wanted to play over there for at least one contract to see what it's like. Every kid dreams of playing for Arsenal or ManU or something like that, but it's not a reality for everyone."

Marshall was guaranteed $148,000 last season. Depending on what sort of offers come from Europe, expect it to take something in the $250,000 range to keep him in MLS.

Marshall said he has no immediate plans to leave.

Chances of Marshall leaving? 60% percent. Marshall has offers, is a great player, and I'm guessing will take his chance overseas.

And, Schmid:

He has maintained that returning to the Crew remains an option, and he would enjoy the challenge of attempting to repeat as MLS champion and competing in the CONCACAF Champions League.

One problem, however, is prolonging the long-distance relationship with his family in California, although a salary that would allow his wife, Valerie, to cut back on her work hours and visit more often would provide some remedy.

A move to Seattle seems likely, but Schmid said he has had no formal contact with the Sounders. The Crew, however, did not give Schmid permission to talk to other teams and reportedly has filed tampering charges against the Sounders.

"I can't comment on that," general manager Mark McCullers said.

The Sounders picked 10 players during an expansion draft Wednesday. Among them were several players Schmid had expressed an interest in.

In Schmid's absence, McCullers, technical director Brian Bliss and assistant coach Robert Warzycha took the lead during postseason player meetings. McCullers has said he would one day like to see Warzycha become coach.

"Continuity is what got us where we're at," Bliss said. "Continuity in staff and players. The sum of our parts is bigger than one person and that's what we've been preaching."

Chances of Leaving? 85% percent, just too far away from his family and HSG isn't willing to pay what it takes to prolong that, even if its the coach of not just the year, but 13 years for the Crew. McCullers and company are fine with Warzycha taking over and from what I saw since the Crew got off the plane, it seems like Warzycha is now running the team.

Guillermo Barros SchelottoIndications are that a deal is done and could be announced this week.

A team source said last week that Schelotto, the league and MLS Cup MVP, will return, possibly as a designated player if that's what it takes. A designated player doesn't count against the salary cap.

Schelotto had an option year remaining on his contract, and if MLS were to exercise it, he would have to be made a designated player and the first $415,000 of his reported $600,000 salary would count against the $2.3 million cap. The rest would have to be picked up by Hunt Sports Group, which owns the Crew.

A renegotiation of his contract is also possible. Technically, he is out of contract today if his option is not picked up, but Schelotto indicated last week that he was willing to do what it took -- within reason -- to extend his stay in Columbus by a year or two.

How he would be compensated is unclear, but the Crew does have some league allocation money to use to buy down Schelotto's salary number.

Of course, the Crew wants the man who was named the SI Latino sportsman of the year to remain, but his age does provide pause. Schelotto will turn 36 next May.

Guillermo Barros SchelottoIndications are that a deal is done and could be announced this week.

A team source said last week that Schelotto, the league and MLS Cup MVP, will return, possibly as a designated player if that's what it takes. A designated player doesn't count against the salary cap.

Schelotto had an option year remaining on his contract, and if MLS were to exercise it, he would have to be made a designated player and the first $415,000 of his reported $600,000 salary would count against the $2.3 million cap. The rest would have to be picked up by Hunt Sports Group, which owns the Crew.

A renegotiation of his contract is also possible. Technically, he is out of contract today if his option is not picked up, but Schelotto indicated last week that he was willing to do what it took -- within reason -- to extend his stay in Columbus by a year or two.

How he would be compensated is unclear, but the Crew does have some league allocation money to use to buy down Schelotto's salary number.

Of course, the Crew wants the man who was named the SI Latino sportsman of the year to remain, but his age does provide pause. Schelotto will turn 36 next May.

Guillermo Barros SchelottoIndications are that a deal is done and could be announced this week.

A team source said last week that Schelotto, the league and MLS Cup MVP, will return, possibly as a designated player if that's what it takes. A designated player doesn't count against the salary cap.

Schelotto had an option year remaining on his contract, and if MLS were to exercise it, he would have to be made a designated player and the first $415,000 of his reported $600,000 salary would count against the $2.3 million cap. The rest would have to be picked up by Hunt Sports Group, which owns the Crew.

A renegotiation of his contract is also possible. Technically, he is out of contract today if his option is not picked up, but Schelotto indicated last week that he was willing to do what it took -- within reason -- to extend his stay in Columbus by a year or two.

How he would be compensated is unclear, but the Crew does have some league allocation money to use to buy down Schelotto's salary number.

Of course, the Crew wants the man who was named the SI Latino sportsman of the year to remain, but his age does provide pause. Schelotto will turn 36 next May.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Article here, includes Brad Evans talk:The Crew waived defenders Ryan Junge and Andrew Peterson; midfielders Kevin Burns, Brian Plotkin and George Josten; and forward Ricardo Pierre-Louis. All were low-salaried developmental players who did not count against the salary cap. MLS will reduce to the developmental roster size from 10 players to four in 2009.

Article here, includes Brad Evans talk:The Crew waived defenders Ryan Junge and Andrew Peterson; midfielders Kevin Burns, Brian Plotkin and George Josten; and forward Ricardo Pierre-Louis. All were low-salaried developmental players who did not count against the salary cap. MLS will reduce to the developmental roster size from 10 players to four in 2009.

Article here, includes Brad Evans talk:The Crew waived defenders Ryan Junge and Andrew Peterson; midfielders Kevin Burns, Brian Plotkin and George Josten; and forward Ricardo Pierre-Louis. All were low-salaried developmental players who did not count against the salary cap. MLS will reduce to the developmental roster size from 10 players to four in 2009.

This picture rocks for more than one reason.Congrats to Danny, whole article here.

Quoteable: "Obviously, I’m extremely happy to be able to continue my MLS career playing for the city where I was born and raised,” O’Rourke said. “My teammates and I had a great run in bringing the Crew its first MLS Cup this season, and I’m excited for the chance to do it all again next season and beyond."

This picture rocks for more than one reason.Congrats to Danny, whole article here.

Quoteable: "Obviously, I’m extremely happy to be able to continue my MLS career playing for the city where I was born and raised,” O’Rourke said. “My teammates and I had a great run in bringing the Crew its first MLS Cup this season, and I’m excited for the chance to do it all again next season and beyond."

This picture rocks for more than one reason.Congrats to Danny, whole article here.

Quoteable: "Obviously, I’m extremely happy to be able to continue my MLS career playing for the city where I was born and raised,” O’Rourke said. “My teammates and I had a great run in bringing the Crew its first MLS Cup this season, and I’m excited for the chance to do it all again next season and beyond."

I admit, I wasn't exactly hot on Brad Evans earlier in the season, but then he went on a massive tear with some crucial goals the second half of the season and against KC in the first round. A good young talent.

And, next time, Brad comes back, I figure we give him a standing ovation. This isn't like McBride or anything like that. Brad didn't choose it and it's tough that he has to go out like this. So anyone who ever boo's Brad Evans next year unless he pulls a Kevin Goldwhaite on Robbie is an idiot.

I believe we have adequate cover for Brad. Ekpo may be even better. You dont protect Ekpo, off the bench, over two starters in Evans and Gaven unless you expect Ekpo to start next year.

With the bad, I'm excited to see more of Ekpo.

I expect this midfield next year:-----------Guille-----------Rogers-----Gaven--------Ekpo-----------Carroll----------

I admit, I wasn't exactly hot on Brad Evans earlier in the season, but then he went on a massive tear with some crucial goals the second half of the season and against KC in the first round. A good young talent.

And, next time, Brad comes back, I figure we give him a standing ovation. This isn't like McBride or anything like that. Brad didn't choose it and it's tough that he has to go out like this. So anyone who ever boo's Brad Evans next year unless he pulls a Kevin Goldwhaite on Robbie is an idiot.

I believe we have adequate cover for Brad. Ekpo may be even better. You dont protect Ekpo, off the bench, over two starters in Evans and Gaven unless you expect Ekpo to start next year.

With the bad, I'm excited to see more of Ekpo.

I expect this midfield next year:-----------Guille-----------Rogers-----Gaven--------Ekpo-----------Carroll----------

I admit, I wasn't exactly hot on Brad Evans earlier in the season, but then he went on a massive tear with some crucial goals the second half of the season and against KC in the first round. A good young talent.

And, next time, Brad comes back, I figure we give him a standing ovation. This isn't like McBride or anything like that. Brad didn't choose it and it's tough that he has to go out like this. So anyone who ever boo's Brad Evans next year unless he pulls a Kevin Goldwhaite on Robbie is an idiot.

I believe we have adequate cover for Brad. Ekpo may be even better. You dont protect Ekpo, off the bench, over two starters in Evans and Gaven unless you expect Ekpo to start next year.

With the bad, I'm excited to see more of Ekpo.

I expect this midfield next year:-----------Guille-----------Rogers-----Gaven--------Ekpo-----------Carroll----------

It's unofficialy official, Brad Evans has played his last game for the Crew. According to Ives Galarcep, Brad Evans was picked by Seattle along with nine other current MLS players in the expansion draft today listed below.

It's unofficialy official, Brad Evans has played his last game for the Crew. According to Ives Galarcep, Brad Evans was picked by Seattle along with nine other current MLS players in the expansion draft today listed below.

It's unofficialy official, Brad Evans has played his last game for the Crew. According to Ives Galarcep, Brad Evans was picked by Seattle along with nine other current MLS players in the expansion draft today listed below.

Sorry for the delay on this. In the middle of writing a huge paper for grad school. But, here are some horribly awful pictures I took from tonight's Statehouse Address:

That odd mascot by Crew Cat, is the hockey team Blue Jackets mascot. I think today is one day when it would have been more comfortable in a mascot outfit. Governer Strickland giving a very enthusiastic speech. Rather of heard from the players than all the politicians though. Good speech by Mayor Coleman's aid as Coleman's replacement knew to squeeze in "We Love You" and "Massive" smartly into the speech.Chants broke out alot of times after and before Clark Hunt spoke, demanding "Bring Back Sigi!" Seems like the players got a chuckle out of that. I was kind of surprised the owners traveled back to Columbus for this and they got cheered as well. But, come on shell out the bucks.

And, more from the airport. 11 p.m. on a Monday, no problem:More of Sam's Pics from last nights airport celebration can be caught here

Sorry for the delay on this. In the middle of writing a huge paper for grad school. But, here are some horribly awful pictures I took from tonight's Statehouse Address:

That odd mascot by Crew Cat, is the hockey team Blue Jackets mascot. I think today is one day when it would have been more comfortable in a mascot outfit. Governer Strickland giving a very enthusiastic speech. Rather of heard from the players than all the politicians though. Good speech by Mayor Coleman's aid as Coleman's replacement knew to squeeze in "We Love You" and "Massive" smartly into the speech.Chants broke out alot of times after and before Clark Hunt spoke, demanding "Bring Back Sigi!" Seems like the players got a chuckle out of that. I was kind of surprised the owners traveled back to Columbus for this and they got cheered as well. But, come on shell out the bucks.

And, more from the airport. 11 p.m. on a Monday, no problem:More of Sam's Pics from last nights airport celebration can be caught here

Sorry for the delay on this. In the middle of writing a huge paper for grad school. But, here are some horribly awful pictures I took from tonight's Statehouse Address:

That odd mascot by Crew Cat, is the hockey team Blue Jackets mascot. I think today is one day when it would have been more comfortable in a mascot outfit. Governer Strickland giving a very enthusiastic speech. Rather of heard from the players than all the politicians though. Good speech by Mayor Coleman's aid as Coleman's replacement knew to squeeze in "We Love You" and "Massive" smartly into the speech.Chants broke out alot of times after and before Clark Hunt spoke, demanding "Bring Back Sigi!" Seems like the players got a chuckle out of that. I was kind of surprised the owners traveled back to Columbus for this and they got cheered as well. But, come on shell out the bucks.

And, more from the airport. 11 p.m. on a Monday, no problem:More of Sam's Pics from last nights airport celebration can be caught here

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland will welcome the 2008 Major League Soccer champions – the Columbus Crew – to the Ohio Statehouse for a community celebration of the team’s succesful season and victory against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

“The Columbus Crew’s MLS Cup victory marks a significant moment in Ohio sports history,” Strickland said. “On behalf of all Ohioans, I congratulate the players, coaches and fans of the Crew on a dynamic season.”All Columbus Crew fans and community members are invited to attend the celebration at 5 p.m. today at the Ohio Statehouse.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland will welcome the 2008 Major League Soccer champions – the Columbus Crew – to the Ohio Statehouse for a community celebration of the team’s succesful season and victory against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

“The Columbus Crew’s MLS Cup victory marks a significant moment in Ohio sports history,” Strickland said. “On behalf of all Ohioans, I congratulate the players, coaches and fans of the Crew on a dynamic season.”All Columbus Crew fans and community members are invited to attend the celebration at 5 p.m. today at the Ohio Statehouse.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland will welcome the 2008 Major League Soccer champions – the Columbus Crew – to the Ohio Statehouse for a community celebration of the team’s succesful season and victory against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

“The Columbus Crew’s MLS Cup victory marks a significant moment in Ohio sports history,” Strickland said. “On behalf of all Ohioans, I congratulate the players, coaches and fans of the Crew on a dynamic season.”All Columbus Crew fans and community members are invited to attend the celebration at 5 p.m. today at the Ohio Statehouse.

Monday, November 24, 2008

The 2008 Columbus Crew returned home from MLS Cup, with the MLS Cup, and a bunch of bags under their eyes, only to meet a gaggle of supporters, news media, and other random people with extremely nice cameras. As one of those latter groups, I took it upon myself to snap some shots, here's what I got:

It was a very "special" win for this guy...

Some of the Supporters on hand.

And a few more.

Mayor Michael Coleman helped Crew Assistant(?) Coach Robert Warzycha bring the Phil F. Anschutz trophy home to Columbus. No word on if Mayor Coleman's wife was able to get her wish of filling the entire thing with Margarita Mix.

The fact this man can stand after the beating he took this season is commendable. Alejandro Moreno os a tough son of a gun...